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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/12/1996CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 12, 1996 CALL TO ORDER: Chair/Istik called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District Hearing Room, 21865 East Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by C/Tamaya. ROLL CALL: Commissioners: Chair/Istik, Vice Chair Leonard, Commissioners Nice, Tamaya, and Virginkar Staff: Director of Public Works George Wentz, Deputy Director of Public Works David Liu; Assistant Engineer Rose Manela; Administrative Assistant Tseday Aberra; Sergeant Rawlings; and Recording Secretary Carol Dennis I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A. Minutes of July 25, 1996. C/Nice made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya, to approve the minutes of July 25, 1996 as presented. The motion was approved 4-0-1 with C/Virginkar abstaining. B. Minutes of August 1, 1996. C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard, to approve the minutes of August 1, 1996 as presented. Without objections, the motion was so ordered. C. Minutes of August 8, 1996. C/Virginkar made a motion, seconded by C/Nice to approve the minutes of August 8, 1996 as presented. The motion was approved 4-0-1 with C/Tamaya abstaining. II. COMMISSION COMMENTS - None III. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Oscar Law, 21511 Pathfinder Road, asked for curbs and sidewalks on Brea Canyon Road and for diagonal parking on Brea Canyon Road in front of Heritage Park. September 12, 1996 Page 2 TAT Commission DDPW/Liu responded to Chair/Istik that Brea Canyon Road design discussion is scheduled for the October 10, 1996 Traffic and Transportation Commission agenda. Responding to Mr. Law, DPW Wentz stated that Traffic and Transportation Commission recommendations regarding Brea Canyon Road vehicle parking changes would be forwarded to the City Council for consideration. Brea Canyon Road design is scheduled for Fiscal Year 1996- 1997. Grace MacBride, 435 Willapa Lane, asked how many other residential areas in the City, in addition to her street, have double yellow center lines. Chair/Istik responded to Ms. MacBride that the Standard of Practice for installation of centerline striping for residential streets in the City is a scheduled agenda item for this meeting. Ms. MacBride stated she feels centerline striping ruins the ambiance of the neighborhood. She indicated several of her neighbors have complained about the striping. She further stated she is opposed to centerline striping on Sunset Crossing Road. Red Calkins, 240 Eagle Nest Drive, stated he is in favor of centerline striping under the SR 60 at Sunset Crossing Road. Clyde Hennessy, 22702 Sunset Crossing Road, stated his concerns about the speeding vehicles on Sunset Crossing Road and asked for striping, reduction in speed, stop signs and proper signage to indicate truck weight limits and that the street dead ends. Chair/Istik responded to Mr. Hennessy that cul-de- sacing of Sunset Crossing Road is planned. In addition, a discussion to narrow the street and conduct a speed survey is pending. Mr. Hennessy asked the City to bypass the speed survey and immediately reduce the speed limit on Sunset Crossing Road. DPW/Wentz responded to Chair/Istik that the Sunset Crossing Road discussion is scheduled for the October September 12, 1996 Page 3 T&T Commission 10, 1996 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting. Joe Larutta, 2546 Sunbright Drive, stated that eight out of ten vehicles do not acknowledge the stop sign on Sunbright Drive at Fountain Springs Road. Phillip Kuida, 22635 Dry Creek Road, asked why the freeway vehicles have right-of-way over the vehicles on City streets exiting the SR 60 westbound offramp at Diamond Bar Boulevard. Chair/Istik referred Mr. Kyle to CalTrans which has jurisdiction over freeway exit traffic flow. Ron Collosi, 109 N. Prospectors Road, stated that many vehicles disregard the three stop signs on his street between Sunset Crossing Road and Golden Springs Drive. He asked that the City reconsider installation of speed bumps. Debbie O'Connor, 23725 Bower Cascade Place, stated that yesterday she observed a semi -truck with two trailers made an illegal U-turn in the intersection of Sunset Crossing Road and Del Sol Lane with school children present on all four street corners. Today, she observed three cars make U-turns at the same corner just prior to school hours. She reiterated the need for law enforcement at local school sites. She requested the City contact the construction company and advise them of the safety concerns. Shanna Garno, 440 N. Del Sol Lane, stated she is very concerned about the safety of the children in the area of Del Sol Lane and Sunset Crossing Road. She suggested a traffic signal in lieu of the stop sign at the intersection. Bob Zerbes, 2141 Tierra Loma Drive, stated he feels the Northbound Diamond Bar Boulevard left turn signal illumination at Pathfinder Road is inconsistent and confusing, and presents a safety hazard. V. OLD BUSINESS A. overnight parking of recreational/commercial I vehicles on City of Diamond Bar public streets. September 12, 1996 Page 4 TAT Commission DDPW/Liu read the staff report into the record. Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive public testimony, discuss, and forward a recommendation to the City Council. Chair/Istik asked for public testimony. Al Rumpilla, 23958 Golden Springs Road, requested that all of his comments be submitted to the City Clerk verbatim. He referred the Commission to the City's Municipal Code and the California Motor Vehicle Code books. He stated he is angry to have to appear before the Commission once again regarding an item that has been previously tabled. He indicated staff's report is incorrect when it states that at the October, 1991 meeting, several Diamond Bar residents opposed overnight parking. He further stated that at the first meeting in 1991, there were 300 people in attendance at the County of Los Angeles Library. In addition, he submitted a petition with 300 signatures and does not understand how staff considers this number to be a few people. He indicated the Page 2 staff statement that the interim City Attorney inadvertently omitted the County's 1130 minute parking between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m, from the ordinance is incorrect. He referred the Commission to the meeting tape which clearly states the motion is not to enforce the 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. restriction. Mr. Rumpilla, referring to sections of the Vehicle. Code, asked for enforcement of the current laws regarding recreational and commercial vehicle parking. He stated that in his opinion, no additional laws are needed. Mr. Rumpilla asked that his letter and letters in opposition to restrictions on overnight parking from the following citizens be filed with the City Clerk: Tom,Ortiz, Tom Van Winkle, Alexandria French, Jeff and Deena Ryan, Deanna Hoy, and Mike Goldenberg. These letters are available for review at City Hall. Chair/Istik observed that approximately 28 people in the audience indicated by show of hands that in principle, they agree with Mr. Rumpilla's position on overnight parking of recreational and commercial vehicles. September 12, 1996 Page 5 T&T Commission Debbie O'Connor stated that if the City stripes residential streets, recreational vehicles should not be permitted to park on streets for safety reasons. Owners moving their vehicles a short distance to eradicate the enforcement markings does not solve the problem. Vehicles should be moved away from the problem area. Don Gravdahl stated that in two previous instances, the Traffic and Transportation Commission voted to table the overnight parking on City streets item and recommendations were forwarded to the City Council. He acknowledged that citizens are breaking the laws that are on the books. He suggested that 90 percent of the street parking problems could be remedied by enforcement of the current laws. He asked the Commission to recommend enforcement of the existing laws to the City Council. Oscar Law stated he participated in writing the City's Property Maintenance Ordinance. He does not want the City to stop citizens from earning a living by taking away their ability to park their commercial vehicle on the City street at night. Barbara Clannon, 3543 Falcon Ridge Road, agrees the Vehicle Code should be enforced as written. People have a right to make a living. However, some neighborhood CC&R's restrict commercial vehicle parking on City streets. Joe Larutta stated that in his opinion, some City streets lend themselves to street parking and some streets do not. He asked that the City enforce the current laws and CC&R's. Ron Collosi indicated his wife parks a commercial mobile dentistry vehicle on the street in front of their house at night and on the weekends. It is necessary that the vehicle be placed on leveling jacks when parked. He stated he spoke with his neighbors to determine if they had a problem with the arrangement. He further stated that they have attempted to locate a commercial parking space. However, there is no public storage facility that can accommodate the necessary hours of use. The vehicle cannot be parked in the City of Walnut business lot at night because there is no September 12, 1996 Page 6 T&T Commission security. Greg Cullen, 1118 Moonlight Summit Drive, stated he attended the 1991 meeting held at the City Library. He believes that the City Council tabled the item because it had received only three letters of complaint regarding recreational vehicles parked on City streets. He recalls that approximately ninety-nine percent of the people present at the 1991 meeting favored the current regulations. He indicated he believes he has a right to park his vehicles on City streets. He would prefer the City focus on maintaining clean streets instead of trying to keep the recreational vehicles off of the streets at night. Frank Dursa, 2533 Harmony Hill Drive, asked the Traffic and Transportation Commission to table the overnight parking issue and recommend to the City Council that the City enforce the current laws. Clyde Hennessy, 22702 Sunset Crossing Road, concurred with Frank Dursa and Oscar Law that there should be no ban on overnight parking on City streets. Royal Wilkes, 2702 George Lane, stated the City does not need more laws - just enforce what's on the books. Lydia Plunk, 1522 Deerfoot Drive, asked the Commission to consider recommending creation of an educational booklet for the citizens and the Sheriff's Department. Don Fisher, 465 Bregante Drive, favors enforcement of the existing laws. He indicated that although he owns a 27 foot commercial truck and a 48 foot travel trailer, he refuses to park them on the street out of respect for his neighbors. He pays for vehicle storage at a public facility. He stated that he believes a street parked recreational vehicle is against the letter of the law. A City street is a public right-of- way, not a private area. Shanna Garno stated she believes that the law enforcement agencies have enough to do handling crime. She wants to continue parking her recreational vehicle �. on the street in front of her home. Craig Clute, 21217 Fountain Springs Road, supports September 12, 1996 Page 7 T&T Commission safer, cleaner, calmer neighborhood streets. Parked cars, trucks and recreational vehicles are the neighborhood traffic chokers. He indicated he favors a person's right to park their vehicles on their property as long as it is within the Property Maintenance Ordinance limitations. If the City revises overnight parking, it needs to revisit the Property Maintenance Ordinance. He further indicated he favors using the current laws to mitigate safety concerns when recreational vehicles are connected to household wiring. RECESS: Chair/Istik recessed the meeting at 9:10 p.m. RECONVENE: Chair/Istik reconvened the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Sgt. Rawlings responded to C/Tamaya that the Sheriff's Department currently enforces "No Overnight Parking" Ordinances for the cities of San Dimas and Walnut. Deputies issue citations to offenders during the appropriate hours of the morning. San Dimas previously employed a Parking Patrol Officer to enforce the Overnight Parking Ordinance. He indicated the deputies routinely rotate enforcement in different area of the cities. Diamond Bar is approximately the size of San Dimas and Walnut combined. Diamond Bar citizens are used to parking on the City's streets overnight. If a ban is invoked, additional enforcement will be required at the onset. If the Sheriff's Department receives a call regarding a potential parking violation, a unit is dispatched to the location. The offending vehicle's tires will be marked and tagged. If the vehicle is still in the same location at the end of the 72 hour period, it will be stored. The ordinance works for abandoned vehicles. It does not work well to prevent people from storing their vehicles on the street. He estimated that the Sheriff's Department responds to approximately six to twelve parking violation calls per month. Sgt. Rawlings responded to C/Nice that the Sheriff's Department responds to violations that occur on residential street. Responding to VC/Leonard, DDPW/Liu stated that applicable provisions of Title 10 of the Municipal Code are included in the Commission packets. September 12, 1996 Page s T&T Commission Chair/Istik stated he believes discussion is valuable. He cited a Walnut Times article and indicated that some cities have gone so far as to disallow recreational storage in driveways. In 1970 the City of Walnut modified its home building policies to allow 12 foot side yard setbacks to accommodate recreational vehicle storage. He further stated that this item is being discussed as a result of concern regarding use of residential streets for long term recreational and commercial vehicle storage. He indicated that parking such vehicles on city streets poses a potential sight distance safety problem. Sgt. Rawlings responded to Chair/Istik that an in place Ordinance prohibits the parking of vehicles in excess of six feet in height within 100 feet of an intersection. The Ordinance cannot be enforced without proper signage. DDPW/Liu referred the Commission to Section 10.16.490 of the City Code. VC/Leonard stated she is concerned about sight distance and vehicles crossing over yellow center lines to avoid recreational vehicles. She further stated that she is particularly concerned about safety. She indicated she is opposed to using public streets for vehicle storage. She appreciates both sides of the issue. However, she recommends the City focus on the safety of its residents. In addition, she stated her concerns about parked vehicles causing a blight upon the City. C/Nice stated that in his opinion, adequate provisions exist to remedy 90 percent or more of the current street parking of recreational and commercial vehicles. He further stated that he sees no reason for another layer of bureaucracy. Enforcement is the issue. C/Nice made a motion, seconded by C/Tamaya, to table the issue of overnight parking of recreational/ commercial vehicles on City of Diamond Bar public streets and inform the City Council that enforcement is the issue and that no new ordinances are necessary. Chair/Istik stated he is in favor of enforcing the existing codes and monitoring the enforcement for six months to one year to see if the enforcement is September 12, 1996 Page 9 TAT Commission effective. C/Nice restate his belief that no matter how many laws are on the books, enforcement is the primary concern. Chair/Istik stated he believes that enforcement will mitigate a good portion of the citizen's concerns. C/Nice stated he does not believe that recreational vehicle parking on the City's streets compares to enforcement concerns related to vehicles failing to stop at stop signs. In his opinion, there are a few Diamond Bar citizens who abuse the recreational /commercial vehicle parking laws and these offenders can be dealt with individually. He would prefer to see law enforcement concentrate on the moving traffic violations. Sgt. Rawlings explained to Chair/Istik that most of the enforcement items discussed at this meeting are being addressed by the Sheriff's Department. With respect to the 72 hour parking rule, he indicated he does not believe Diamond Bar expects the Sheriff's Department to mark and red tag every vehicle on the street. However, the Sheriff's Department responds when called. He stated that in his opinion, if the 72 hour law is enforced, there will be no difference in the amount of vehicles on the street. Citizens will be angry because vehicles they use on a regular basis have been marked and red tagged. C/Tamaya suggested that if the law is not currently being enforced, it would be difficult for the City to enforce any new laws. He would like to see the current laws enforced. He stated that in his opinion, citizens should exercise their responsibility to call the Sheriff's Department when they observe a violation. C/Nice recommended the City initiate educational programs to advise citizens regarding the law and options for resolving conflicts. VC/Leonard concurred with C/Nice regarding education of the public regarding the existing laws. She reiterated ' her safety concerns. C/Virginkar stated he does not believe safety is an September 12, 1996 Page 10 T&T Commission issue with respect to overnight parking of recreational vehicles. If recreational or commercial vehicles are improperly parked, it is an ongoing issue. He further stated that in his opinion, the only issue is enforcement. He indicated that about 50 percent of the concerns brought to the Traffic and Transportation Commission deal with enforcement and favors recommending increased enforcement of existing laws to the City Council. VC/Leonard pointed out that the City has received letters from three citizens favoring enforcement of a ban on overnight parking. C/Nice called for the question. He reiterated his motion to table the matter of overnight parking of recreational/commercial vehicles on City of Diamond Bar public streets and to recommend to the City Council that they instruct law enforcement to strictly enforce the existing laws. The motion was approved with the following Roll Call vote: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Nice, Tamaya, Virginkar VC/Leonard, Chair/Istik None None Chair/Intik stated his no vote is because he believes the matter should not be passed on to the City Council. Greg Cullen asked for clarification of the vote. VC/Leonard stated her no vote is because she is concerned about the 72 hour law and that some citizens use public streets for recreational and commercial vehicle storage. She indicated she favors enforcement of the existing laws. Don Fisher recommended the City employ a Community Service Officer to enforce the Parking Ordinance. Sgt. Rawlings responded to Mr. Fisher that criminal enforcement has priority over 72 hour parking. The Sheriff's Department responds to calls on a priority basis. Al Rumpilla asked that the motion be reiterated. September 12, 1996 Page 11 T&T Commission IV. CONSENT CALENDAR: A. Request to red curb the entrance/exit driveway of the Diamond Bar Post Office at Montefino Avenue. C/Tamaya made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard to forward a recommendation to the City Council to red curb the north side of Montefino Avenue between the post office's general public driveway and Diamond Bar Boulevard, 15 feet easterly from curb return of the "Post Office Trucks Only" driveway, and 15 feet westerly from the curb return of the post office's general public driveway. Without objections, the motion was so ordered. VI. NEW BUSINESS - Continued to October 10, 1996. VII. STATUS OF PREVIOUS ACTION ITEMS - None VIII. ITEMS FROM COMMISSIONERS - None IX. ITEMS FROM STAFF: A. Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update: Sgt. Rawlings presented the Monthly Traffic Enforcement Update for August, 1996. The August Enforcement Index was 36.9. X. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS - None XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission, C/Nice made a motion, seconded by VC/Leonard to adjourn the meeting. Chair/Intik adjourned the meeting at 10:35 p.m. to October 10, 1996. Attest: �} ,. y+ Jaok Intik y -C�air s eSpeC lly, David G. L1u Secretary